Tsumago-juku, the first preserved scenery district in Japan

Where is the first place preserved as a Japanese traditional scenery in Japan? Surprisingly, it’s not Kyoto, but Tsumago-juku located in Nagano prefecture. If you want to experience traditional Japanese lifestyle, I bet Tsumago-juku is the best place to visit. All movements to preserve Japanese traditional scenery are actually originated from Tsumago-juku, moreover being known as the largest preservation district in Japan. You will also be overwhelmed by the breathtaking vast nature. Since 1533, Tsumago-juku has been known as a Japanese-style hotel town for travelers who passing through a long road called Kisoji connecting between Kyoto and Tokyo (Edo).



On this site, one thing I strongly recommend is to go hiking on a wild road from Tsumago-juku to Magome-juku. It takes 3 hours by walk (about 9km). Of course when you go to Magome-juku, it is accessible by bus and you can skip the hardship, however, it is worth walking pass the wild road on foot, because on the way, there are a lot of attractive spots, waterfall, windmill and huge trees etc.

During on hiking course, you can stop by a hut where you can take a rest and have refreshments (Hut owner provides you with green tea and snacks for free!)



When you hike a wild road, you might feel nervious because of noticing a caution which means to pay attention to bears. However the locals have you covered, because in order to avoid facing bears, bells are placed on a hiking course, or you can borrow portable bell previously.

After a long hiking, you will hesitate which restraunt you go, all restraunts serve traditional Japanese style foods. If you booked a hotel in advance, the owner will wait for your arrival with delicious foods in cozy wooden style house.



All Japanese style-hotels in Tsumago-juku are wooden historical building, outsider hotel owners are prohibited to go into this town, the restriction are made by townspeople’s movement. That why this town can keep the beautiful scenery until now.



One hotel located in the end of town are well known, because Japanese Crown prince stayed there in1978. All travelers are able to stay the same room where Japanese Crown prince stayed before.

The way to access to Tsumago-juku is not easy (from Tokyo to Tsumago-juku by bus/ 5hours), but this hard accessibility may keep the towns scenery from urbanizing.

site: http://www.tumago.jp/

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